Sharpshooter Haversack: An Inside Look

[@behindthespotlight7983]

4:07 if you pay attention during large establishing camp sequences in American Civil War movies oftentimes you’ll see soldiers kind of rolling their poke sacks around on their palms while the sack is closed. A happy soldier was probably one who had 6+ uniformly same poke sacks of flour, beans, corn meal, coffee, salt, rice etc… and rather than opening every one to find their rice they did that “Miner 49er” poke sack gesture

[@sharingtimeagain]

Appreciate these. You all seem really dedicated to be authentic, but not unreasonable. Acknowledge that some modern items are a must especially for your own health.

[@GMG268]

Dried peas are another good one to carry. Johnny Reb use to scorch them on a fire then boil them out to drink in the lack of coffee. Thanks for the videos, I really enjoy them.

[@TorianTammas]

"We have a heated debate about where the cup belongs." Blessed simple world of reenactment where you can argue about things no one in the actual war was ever concerned.

[@stealthysam7761]

Where did you purchase the officers haversack. (please provide link)

[@wadedog4280]

Thank you for all the great videos. Allot of your videos are a big help for any impression. Will you be doing more videos for rations

[@ushillbillies]

LOOKS LIKE a fun and interesting thing to do..

[@Beaguins]

In "Hardtack and Coffee" John Billings (a Union vet) said the haversack got filthy inside, so books probably didn't go in. The Civil War Digital Digest channel also shows that plate and rations alone take all the room in a haversack (and more!), so an authentically filled haversack would have nothing else.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Absolutely true! When we bivouac, we can barely fit three days rations in there just like CWDD. Thanks for sharing the great comment.

[@jonrettich4579]

Any data on recognition of allergies and their prevalence in that era? The captain brought it up never thought of it before could be significant. Also what were common medicines, salves or whatever from that time that a soldier carried or doctor prescribed? This series happily answers relevant questions many I simply never thought of. Thanks so much for your efforts

[@aterseraph]

My Lady and I are joining the Northwest Civil War Council this year; we are from Eugene and will be joining a Confederate group. See you at an event.

[@illusionclassicrock6742]

Issued haversacks were used to carry food and eating utensils. Any personal items placed inside get pretty greased up if they are stored there. I personally use a second civilian haversack for a few personal items. Another option is to roll your personal items into your bed roll and placed in your pockets.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Very true. If you're a campaigner using your haversack for 100% food rations, anything in it will get pretty gross.

[@illusionclassicrock6742]

The nice thing though, is even at a mainstream event, that's one of those simple improvements that can be made to add a little more authenticity to the impression. Even if it's simply putting food that that doesn't need to be refrigerwated into the haversack.

[@captainpanda5533]

Capt. Whitehall, any tips on making the pre-bloodied bandages you have?

[@johnnyquest5727]

What is the name of the "high end" haversack maker? Sounded like N J "Sekula" ????? I'm looking for a good day hiking haversack. I'm not a re-enactor but I figure, why re-invent the wheel. If it worked for our ancestors it should work for me now. Any help finding a good bag would be greatly appreciated Top.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

NJ Sekela makes good ones, LD Hanning, and Missouri Boot and Shoe all make good haversacks. we did a post on our website about recreating them you might find interesting: www.2ndusss.com/uniforms-and-gear/making-a-federal-haversack

[@wadedog4280]

Great video, I miss your videos and lice streams. Question for you . Would the bottom soldiers number change ever as the unit got smaller for what ever reasons .

[@wendeln92]

Not to be overly critical but your worried about the type of apple but there were plastic and foil packages of junk food/snack bars in those haversacks! Do you guys do a "company mess"? I think it is something not done very often. Also cooking in messes of a few guys cooking thier stuff together.

[@TXCannoli]

Great video! Keep em coming!

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Thanks!

[@leonidaslantz5249]

Thanks! Great information!!

[@captainpanda5533]

What would be the best way to de-shine my tin cup? I live in an apartment, and I don't really have the option to hang it over the fire, except at events.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Good question. One thing you could do is go to a friend's charcoal bbq or use a little hibachi and just boil water or cook something in your cup. I don't know of any modern treatments that would't be either farby or damage the tin. Worst case scenario you have another thing to look forward to at your next event.

[@wendeln92]

How to deshine a tin cup for reenacting.......USE IT - fill with water and some crushed coffee beans, put it near some hot coals from a campfire, bring water to boil, remove cup from hot coals, let cool a bit so your lip doesn't sear to the hot metal cup (some soldiers claimed that pouring some cool water into your freshly boiled coffee helped to settle the grounds to the bottom of the cup), drink coffee. Do this several times. Try not to use your cup and frying pan, etc. over a fire were someone used pine, it makes for some really sooty and sticky tinware.

[@scottberge6286]

Which font did you guys use for the name and company on the haversack? Looks good and I appreciate your attention to detail.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

I can't recall off hand, but it's from the Civil War font package you can get from The New Blazing Star Press online.

[@lacivilwarguy9655]

When you stated that you dont keep meat in your haversack due to it may go rancid. With a little research you would see that the majority of the time the soldiers was issued the food they would also be ordered to cook said rations. So it would then lengthen the life of the meat. Ive had raw meat last up to 4 days at a event and ive had cook meat last for an entire week long event.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Absolutely true! Soldiers would also binge eat their rations due to hunger and to avoid having to carry the weight. 3 day's rations makes for a heavy haversack! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We hear lots of good feedback from all the top notch wisdom shared in the comment section. For a true authentic, a gross haversack is just part of the immersion.

[@donnieo4094]

cool video i just got a new haversack its used and already has the guys i bought its from unit do you know how to get paint off a haversack it dose not seem to want to come off with water and soap

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

That's a good question and a tricky dilemma, too. Most things that would remove the likely acrylic paint could also remove the finish of the painted canvas haversack. Rubbing alcohol usually works though I would do a test on a less noticeable part of the haversack just to make sure you don't remove the black paint. The haversack paint should be latex based with a little linseed oil and should hold up to the alcohol. Worst case scenario, you could try painting over the labeling with black paint and re-stenciling. Thanks for watching!

[@donnieo4094]

+Company D 2nd USSS thanks good idea i will have to try it

[@wendeln92]

The sekeal haversacxk is nice but you wil note that his method of making oilcloth for his knapsacks and haversacks tends to crack quite a bit. Haversacks can be used and dirty but because they could get very dirty and greasy when used they would have been replaced from time to time. IMO noone should have a haversack as bad as the one at 7:53. It seems that reenactrors like to have old worn out gear because 1) they are too cheap to buy a replacment, or 2) they seem to like to show off their "veteran" status. Soldiers were issued replacement gear on various schedules or as needed (might be charged extra for some items), so it is silly when guys have ripped, threadbare overly faded and worn out clothing and gear. What's up with the haversack at 8:17? Not one of those haversacks had a piece or two of hardtack! Lastly, I learned to make a simple leather sheath for my period (antique) 3-tine fork, they can be very painful if you fall on your haversack and it pokes though the haversack into you!!!.

[@ding_dong_and_charile]

Another great video! Where do you purchase you officers haversack?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

I got mine from Paul Lopes of American Civil War Knapsacks. Great guy to work with and great products!

[@vote4dahv411]

Hey guys, quick question, so I read online (taken with a grain of salt) that apart from the Berdan Sharpshooter's rifle, and the Whitworth rifle the 1st and 2nd USS used a lot of private firearms. Would it have been realistically possible for someone to have had and used an 1861 Henry Repeater but still be with the Sharpshooters?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Great question. You're right, aside from the beloved 1859 Sharps, Berdans could use any rifle they qualified with. Many custom target rifles saw regular use. A couple of companies were almost exclusively target rifles. So, as far as documentation goes, there are no reports of a Henry being used by a Berdan. They were cool, to be sure, but not good enough for snipers. Henry's also didn't start showing up in any real numbers until towards the end of the war and mostly in the western theater. The only other rifle that was common place with some units was the Colt repeating rifle but no one makes a replica. There are some that look like one but fail on many counts. Thanks again for the great question. Oh, and FYI there were non Berdan units that were issued Henrys and Spencers that wouldn't be such a stretch for an impression.

[@vote4dahv411]

ok great! Thanks for such a quick response, would it be frowned upon by other Sharpshooters to be seen though with either a Henry or a Spencer since the Berdan is the beloved norm? Also with officers, I know that traditionally in this time period they did not use long rifles of any kind as it was expected that they use their sidearms primarily, did this rule apply to the NCO's and officers of the Sharpshooters?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

It would probably be frowned on by most serious reenactors. Though, unless you tried to get into a "campaigner only" event, I don't see anyone stopping you. It is historically misleading to the public. Some Berdan officers did carry and use Sharps rifles, heck even one of our parsons did. Military custom was that officers didn't use rifles because they have an entire company (regiment, etc.) to protect them. Soldiers could carry anything they were willing to lug around and side arms would have been private purchase. Then as now, pounds equal pain and a pistol is dead weight especially for any sharpshooter. Berdan typical operating range was 300-400 yards. Pistols are useless at that range. Berdans even threw away their bayonets because they were told they'd never be close enough to an enemy to use them. Then the government made them buy them back. Stevens' detailed account of Berdan history has some good stories about the awareness of marching weight. Most of us own pistols but we never carry them for those very reasons. I recommend grabbing some books. We have a lot posted on our website to guide you. If there's no documentation for an impression, it's farb and just cosplay. Thanks as always for your great questions. And remember, you can probably find a historically accurate impression to fit your interests in firearms. Oh, that reminds me, have you checked out the 1st Minn Sharpshooters on KZbin? They might have some answers and ideas, too. They're great.

[@vote4dahv411]

Hey thanks! I'll definitely look into that! :)

[@brandonerickson1193]

The 66th Illinois, the unit I portray, had repeaters during the end the the war.

[@Harleylover14]

You guys are here in WA??

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Yes we are! Kind of all over the state

[@Harleylover14]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS That's awesome! I'm in King County.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

@@Harleylover14 Excellent! Hopefully you can make it out to see a reenactment!

[@daveengstrom9250]

I have seen you on a couple of videos and it looks like there is a series of these. I need to talk to someone about getting into this but information is hard to come by. Can you direct me to someone? I live in the state of Washington if it matters. I make things out of wood and can build and sell period correct chairs, tables, cots, boxes, kitchens etc. Dave

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Most of us live in Washington, too. You can start by checking the state organization's website at www.wcwa.net and they're on Facebook, I believe the page is called "Washington Civil War Association." You can lean more on our website, too at www.2ndUSSS.com

[@wadedog4280]

Great job. What are your thoughts on beef jerky

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

It's delicious. As far as rations, go...a hardcore is going to say "no" and only use period rations of salt beef or pork and maybe fresh beef if in a longer term camp. Check with your unit's standards if any exist regarding food. It's not uncommon for some of us to have some in our haversacks even though it was unlikely for a soldier to have it on them during the war. Soldiers ate what they could including plenty of stories of confiscated food like chickens, pigs, smoked hams, and even Sam Watkins' chilling account of starving Rebs killing and eating a whole cow raw off the hoof.

[@wadedog4280]

Company D 2nd USSS , lol What do you do when you are only doing a short day event and there's no time for a fire or cooking. I've used jerky to hold me over but I guess I shouldn't. Please advise me

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

I guess it's up to you where you want to be on the reenacting "hardcore" spectrum. Soldier's on campaign would have just eaten hard tack. Sometimes they'd have cooked leftovers like bacon. It was common for soldiers to have in-season fruit or vegetables but remember Red Delicious is a modern apple. Canned foods were common purchases from sutlers. Canned oysters and fish were always popular. Small pies, soft bread, butter, cheese, hard candies, and pickles were also soldier favorites. Jerky existed it just wasn't an issued ration and someone always has some in our unit. We have a list of food items known to be eaten in Co. D on our website www.2ndusss.com/research-library . A soldier could get just about anything from a sutler. Some reeanctors just grab a burger or a funnel cake :) Thanks for your great question. Keep in touch. Mrs. 1st Sgt recommends the Facebook page "Civil War Kitchen."

[@annamalin123]

what font did you use for your haversack 1st Sgt. Koepp.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Hmmm...good question. It's been awhile, but I think I used an original CW typeface font from New Blazing Star Press. My letters are 11/16" tall. I imagine something like Times New Roman would work. Regulations only specify size on the knapsack.

[@ellisspear]

What camera did you use to make the videos ? Great work by all :)

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Our camera gear is pretty basic. We use an old Lumix and the built in mic. I also live in the country where internet is very slow which I why I don't film in HD.

[@Billy_yank1865]

im from washington too

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Excellent!!!

[@Billy_yank1865]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS I'm doing research on Austins battalion the 14th battalion Louisiana sharpshooters

[@pcm9482]

Does your officer ever ride a horse at reenactments

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Being a company grade officer, being used as scouts, skirmishers and snipers I can say I have never had a mount at events. Historically speaking only Sharpshooters in staff positions with the regiment rode horses. I prefer to have my feet firmly on the ground anyways. Captain Whitehall

[@sgtNUKEtroop]

so , i prefer not to drink coffee in the field , I carry a chunk of ginger root , boil it in water with a sugar cone , excellent tea

[@tymatter5070]

Rice is very correct and the confederate army issued it big time and was a very main stable and the best period correct way to eat it is boiled in your peach tin or I do mine in my cup after. It's cooked drain the water off and Crush some of your period correct sugar cone and mix it in and that makes a quick easy period correct meal

[@annamalin123]

When soldiers got issued there rations would they come in poke sacks.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Anna Angelo they would have the food issued as is, most pokes were bought or made by the soldiers.

[@hamm6033]

Are you kidding me. Arguing over putting a cup in a haversack. Where I admire the lengths gone to for period correct, stupid is still stupid. Hahahahaha. My lord.

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Hey if you think that's crazy you should read the in depth threads on Authentic Campaigner about where the cup "should" go! Ha!

[@ethanthompson9871]

I love snoqualmie

[@rebellious_greaser5737]

I'm not a reinactor yet,but I am a juicy Confederate

[@thaddiusbickerton7377]

Yankees cant outshoot Confederate southrons😅